Where code meets community

"Many emerging industries have seen women as foundational participants," Fu said. "The question is not whether women can contribute, but whether their efforts continue to be recognized as fields evolve."

Fu's presentation was strongly grounded in data and research, including findings from a 2021 Linux Foundation survey showing that women accounted for about 14 percent of developers, though disparities between projects remain significant.

"Studies measuring code changes and commit frequency — how often developers submit code — have found no significant productivity differences between male and female contributors," Fu said. "This suggests that women's capabilities are often underestimated rather than limited."

Beyond research, Fu has worked to apply open-source principles to public-interest initiatives. She initiated a public welfare program on a code-hosting platform, connecting open-source technologies with nonprofit organizations. She also co-founded GoodAction Hub, an open-source platform that aggregates public welfare events and provides accessibility-friendly dining guides.

"Open source is not just about software," Fu said. "It is also a way of organizing collaboration for the public good."

For many participants, she added, involvement is also about shared learning. "Many student volunteers come to understand how open source connects classroom learning with real-world application," she said. "Communities grow when more people are willing to learn together and take part."